Veteran actress Tisca Chopra, who recently made her directorial debut with the Zee5 film Saali Mohabbat, has openly criticized Bollywood for its reluctance to take creative risks. In a conversation with Bollywood Bubble, the 52-year-old actress pointed out that the industry tends to prioritize surface-level success over nurturing strong writing and original ideas. She used the metaphor of "watering the fruits and not the roots" to describe how filmmakers focus on commercial appeal while neglecting the foundation of good storytelling.

Tisca emphasized that meaningful cinema—whether commercial, comedy, or otherwise—must begin with solid writing. She stressed the need to give writers time, freedom, and the space to brainstorm without pressure. According to her, the current trend of repeating familiar formulas with minor twists has made content feel shallow and repetitive. "We're very afraid. Nobody wants to take a chance. We keep doing the same thing with a little twist," she said, adding that audiences are no longer accepting this approach and respond positively only when something new is presented with conviction.

The actress also shared her personal experience of co-writing Saali Mohabbat with her husband, Sanjay Chopra, revealing the creative differences that nearly led to conflict. "We almost got divorced writing it," she joked, explaining how their contrasting styles eventually complemented each other. She expressed frustration with censorship, noting that the team had to change certain lines during dubbing despite initial approval. Tisca described directing as an exhausting but rewarding role, filled with endless decisions—from minor details like a car's number plate size to major creative calls.

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Saali Mohabbat, which premiered on Zee5 on December 12, 2025, features an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Anurag Kashyap, Divyendu Sharma, Sauraseni Maitra, and Anshumaan Pushkar. The film is seen as a bold step by Tisca into the director’s chair, reflecting her belief in taking chances and pushing boundaries. Her comments come at a time when Bollywood faces criticism for relying heavily on remakes, franchises, and formulaic content, often at the expense of fresh narratives.

Tisca Chopra, best known for her role in Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par (2007), has consistently advocated for quality over quantity in Indian cinema. Her directorial debut and candid remarks highlight a growing demand within the industry for innovation and writer-centric filmmaking. As Bollywood navigates changing audience preferences, voices like Tisca’s serve as a reminder that compelling stories, rooted in strong writing, remain the key to meaningful and lasting success.

The discussion around creative risks and the importance of original content is expected to gain further traction as more filmmakers and industry insiders share similar views. Tisca’s journey from actor to director, coupled with her outspoken stance, positions her as a significant voice calling for change in an industry often accused of playing it safe. With Saali Mohabbat receiving attention for its unique narrative, her words may inspire a shift toward more daring and writer-driven projects in the coming years.

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